| Earth Mothers Of Country Music |
| Links: Click artists names in each section to go to official & popular websites |
| Name: |
| Troy Leong |
Born 8/30/1919. Known as the "Queen Of Country Music". First woman to have a #1 song (It Wasn't God Who Made HonkyTonk Angels) on the Billboard chart in 1952. Member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame: Elected in 1976. Won Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. Married Johnny Wright( of Johnnie & Jack) in 1938. Retired from touring at the end of 2001. For Kittys top 5 singles chart & photo galleries: |
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| Kitty Wells (circa late 1960's) |
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| Patsy Cline at the Grand Ole Opry (circa mid 1950's) |
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| Loretta Lynn Publicity photo (circa 1959) |
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| Tammy Wynette (circa late 1980's) |
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| Dolly Parton (age 18) |
Born 9/8/32. Died in a plane crash on 3/5/63. One of the most influential singers in the Nashville Sound (started in the late 50's). Member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1961. Movie based on her life was produced in 1985 called, Sweet Dreams. Jessica Lange portrayed Patsy. Elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1985. For Patsys top 5 singles chart & photo galleries: |
| Latest cd: Best Of 20th Century Masters |
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| Commemorative stamp from the 1980's |
| Latest cd release, "Van Lear Rose" |
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| Latest Cd: Tammy Remembered cd. A tribute to a Legend. |
| Latest cd:: "Those Were The Days" |
| Born 4/14/34. Married to Oliver Mooney Lynn on 1/10/48. Known as the Coal Miners Daughter (due to a song pertaining to her life in Butcher Holler, Kentucky). Movie was made about her life by the same name with Sissy Spacek portraying. Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. Toured with the Wilburn Brothers Show from 1960-1968. Elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1988. CMA awards: 1967, 1972, 1973 Female Vocalist of the Year; 1972 Entertainer Of the Year; 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975 Vocal Duo of the Year (with Conway Twitty). For Lorettas Top 5 singles chart & photo galleries: |
| Born 5/5/42. Died on 4/6/1998 due to health problems. On the Country Boy Eddy tv show in 1965. Married to George Jones 1969-1975. Married manager George Richey on 7/6/78. Known as The First Lady Of Country Music. CMA Awards: 1968, 1969, 1970 Female Vocalist of the Year. Elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1998 For Tammys Top 5 singles chart & photo galleries: |
| Born 1/19/46. Worked at age 11 on Knoxville radio show. First recorded for Goldband label in 1957. Replaced Norma Jean on the Porter Wagoner tv show 1967-1974. Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. Starred in movies: 9 to 5,The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Steel Magnolias,Rhinestone, Straight Talk. Hosted own show in the mid late 70's and in 1987. CMA Award:1968 Vocal Group of the Year(w/Porter Wagoner); 1970, 1971 Vocal Duo of the Year (w/Porter Wagoner) 1975, 1976 Female Vocalist of the Year; 1978 Entertainer of the Year. Elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2001. Opened own themepark called "Dollywood" May 3rd 1986 and has been very successful. For Dollys Top 5 singles chart & photo galleries: |
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| Buy new & used Kitty, Patsy, Loretta, Tammy & Dolly lp's, 45's, cd's, cassettes, dvd's, videos, books & etc.... @ Half.com: "Click Below" |
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| Loretta |
| Dolly |
| Tammy |
| "True Country Music Legends" |
| This picture was used for "The Honkytonk Angels" album, released in 1993. Ms. Dolly sent me this when she had her fan club. (Photo was taken by: Kim Stanton) |
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| Latest & greatest cd's that I recommend: |
| Click cd cover art to go to Elizabeth Cooks official website |
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| Kitty Wells / Forever Young (Junction Records)(2001): This is a classic re-release of this album that was originally released in 1974 by Capricorn Records (a hip based southern rock label). Dusted off and remastered this album shows clearly that Ms. Wells will always be legendary in the country music business. When this album first came out it sounded too unique for Kittys traditional fan base. But 4 or 5 years later people would have truly ate this album up. To bad it was not promoted correctly at its time. The sound of this album is very unique for its time, laying on alot of steel guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano, organ, dobro. Just to know that several heroes of classic southern rock Bands including the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker and Sea Level are on this cd, makes it a gem. Back then it was not country enough. By todays standards its too country for country radio. Totally weird how times change!!!!! Needless to say this release was hardly at all accepted upon its initial release. But today after being shelved Kitty and Johnny(Kittys husband) dug out the master tapes and re-released it on their own label, "Junction Records". I won't even pick out tracks and single them out cause it is such an awesome album. As they say , "its all good". You don't get any better than this. ***Just a note: Kitty has retired from the road but this cd can still be purchased on her website. A farewell tour video taken in 2001 is also available, that I highly recommend.*** |
| Album reviews will be updated hopefully monthly or bi-monthly(when I have time). If any fans have any ideas for upcoming reviews, please don't hesitate to contact me and let me know about them. (updated 9/15/2007) Thanks again for visiting!!!!! |
| Click cd cover art to go to Kitty Wells official website |
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| Classic albums & re-issues |
| Maybelle Carter / Wildwood Pickin' (Vanguard Records)(1997): How more timeless and legendary could you ever get than Mother Maybelle Carter. With the recent passing of June Carter(Cash) fans of traditional country music will be searching out these classics of yesteryear. This recording was taken from one of those great moments during the Newport Folk Festival in 1963. It was when you would travel to Rhode Island and see the true legends of country, bluegrass and folk. These icons of our beloved music were still forces to be reckoned with. It was Maybelle Carter that played Carnegie Hall in the 60's and walked out onstage and didn't have to play or sing a note and got a 10 minute standing ovation. You just don't get that anymore with todays stars. It's all music video's and slick promotions. This album is an acoustic treasure trove of music that has long since faded into the halls of what we call country music. This is traditional country music at its best. It kind of sounds gothic. When listened to, if your not used to this old style you may not like it and that's ok. I think it is music that grows on you. After repeat listening you get where these people are coming from. Remember these songs originated from overseas (England, Ireland, Scotland, Whales....). They were brought over and women and men of our southern hills made them their own. If you can get to a video store, I would highly recommend the movie "Songcatcher". This movie captures how songs like this came to be. On this album Maybelle starts out with the classic (Bury Me Under The ) Weeping Willow, written by A.P. Carter/ Sara Carter and Maybelle. Maybelle's finger picking style was a force to be reckoned with. As June stated before in an interview, "mom would pick bass parts out with her thumb and fill in melody and other parts with her other fingers". It truly sounds like there is three or four other guitars playing. Maybelle has a unique singing style to. It's moanful and mournful. A very haunting sound. She does Wabash Cannonball (written by A/P Carter), Coal Miner's Blues (written by A/P Carter), Lover's Farewell (written by A/P Carter). Following track 7, Maybelle performs an autoharp workshop with Mike Seeger. If you can find any video's with Maybelle playing the autoharp, it's amazing to see. She cradles the instrument under her chin and holds it like a baby. She is one of the true experts of this instrument that is hardly seen anymore. June Carter also played this way. She does songs on the autoharp: Little Brown Jug, Unknown Fiddle Tune, San Antonio Rose, Liberty Dance, Bully Of The Town, My Native Home, (Come All Ye) Fair And Tender Ladies, Tennessee Waltz, Never On Sunday, Gathering Flowers From The Hillside & Little Darling Of Mine. Following the autoharp workshop she performs with the New Lost City Ramblers. She does her classic Wildwood Flower and the crowd goes wild. She performs 4 other classics and totally wows the audience. Maybelle being the perfectionist she is, retired in 1974 due to the fact that she was doing a live show and hit a few wrong notes. She figured if she couldn't play her songs right she shouldn't be performing. Maybelle died on October 23rd, 1978 and left us with timeless country music that will never be forgotten or equaled. |
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| Lane Brody / Pieces Of Life (Scream Recording/ Navarre)(2002): Lane Brody bursts back onto the scene with this fresh sounding album. Not a truly traditional sounding album but awesome just the same. You remember her having hits on "Yellow Rose Of Texas" and also "Over You" early in her career; well they are re-done here and done very well. Lane's voice is still strong and unique; soft and wispy. They are semi-traditional and semi-radio friendly. Lane straddles the fence nicely and makes this album one to purchase. She starts out the album with the song "Til You Found me" a touching love song. Picks up the beat with "Faster Than The Speed Of Love", gets in a sad mood with "Every Time I Think Of Loosing You" and steps back in time with the haunting "I'll Be Seeing You" (remembered from the 1940's during wartime). Lane's new self penned song "All The Unsung Heroes" fits in with wartime now and past. Its speaks of new and old heroes that have gone to rest and have fought bravely for our country that somehow get forgotten. Lane was featured at the recent Fan Fair in 2002 in Nashville and has made an awesome comeback. This is one album that either a traditionalist or new country music listener will love to own in their collection. Go out, and slam your money down for this great album by one of countrys true singers. |
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| Tammy Cochran / Life Happened (Epic/Sony Nashville)(2002): Following such a tremendous album as her self-titled may have been hard for other artists but not Tammy Cochran. "Life Happened", is an awesome follow-up to her first release. Tammy sings of everday life: love, loss, heartbreak........ . You know true country music. The title song is just grand. It speaks of growing up and thinking that the people that you grew up with were so grandiose back when you were young then when you meet with them, life happened and it didn't turn out like you(or they) thought it would. It is usualy what happens with many people, they are so great at something when they are young but then marry, have kids and wind up working a 9 to 5 job. This song rings true, for people that do have to work everday for a living. We can relate!!!!! The cd starts out with the song "Love Won't Let Me" a traditional sounding song(with heavy steel which I love) and an upbeat song. I think this could be a radio-friendly song if folks at country radio would give it a chance. Track two is a song titled "Wanted", another great traditional country flavored song, also another radio friendly song. Track 3 "Go Slow" penned by Tammy Cochran is a well crafted song which speaks of love and taking the time with your significant other. One of my favorite songs on this album is "White Lies And Picket Fences". It's a touching song that speaks of how someone you think loves you lies and the one being lied to gets hurt cause she dreams of a certain life. This song should be released to radio, it's got a great sincere feel to it. All other songs on the album are just as good or as better. I can say what a sincere star Tammy is. I have emailed her in the past and in a day or two she answers. She is one of the true stars of the country music that stays in touch with her fans. Why? Cause she knows that her fans make her. And that is why us fans love her so much. |
| Pam Tillis / Rhinestoned (2006)(Stellar Cat Records/Thirty Tigers): Pam Tillis' latest album has garnered quite alot of attention. This new music package has brought back the true sound of country when Pam burst onto the scene in the 90's with quite a few hits. She hit the charts alot during that time until the Garth Brooks', Tim McGraws, Faith Hills and other contemporary artists took control. Now the boring top 40 rule the airwaves and its why I am not a radio listener (unless its 650 WSM-Nashville cause they mix old with the new). Our local radio station just doesn't get it. Oooook, back to the album. The first cut on this album, Something Burning Out is as fine as wine. Its written by Leslie Satcher and I think this is the hit off the album. I would definately release a music video on that song. The song that got the video was "Band In The Window". Its a very good song but I think the previous song has more heart and soul to it. Just my opinion. Train Without A Whistle is my second favorite of this set. It hits the mark sounding traditional and contemporary at the same time. Its a nice blend. Someone Somewhere Tonight is a nice slow ballad that hits its mark also. All in all I am very happy at this latest release by Miss Tillis. I do hope she continues doing stone country music. I presented a question to Pam in a recent interview asking if there are plans on doing, Its All Relative 2 (the music of Mel Tillis) and she said hopefully yes cause she got alot of response to that cd. And I hope she does. Thats where Pam resides, in true country music. I think with this album she offers up some good true country. Stay that way Pam cause thats how your fans like you. |
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| Rhonda Vincent / One Step Beyond (Rounder Records)(2003): What else can you proclaim about Rhonda's new album but. WOW!!!!! It's bluegrass/ country at its best. Following such tremendous acclaim of the movie "Ob Brother, Where Art Thou" Rhonda bursts onto the scene at what she does best, Bluegrass. Critics and other singers praise Rhonda as not being mortal. Her mandolin playing is stellar and her vocal prowess is super duper!!!! If you listen to any of Rhonda's albums and don't like them you shouldn't be listening to country music or bluegrass. Standouts on this album(if not all of them) are: "You Can't Take It With You When You Go", which a video has been released on. I never would have thought any of Rhonda's songs would have been released as video's cause of her style, which I love as many others do. I almost thought she would get a "too country, for country radio" tag like Leann Womack did with "Never Again, Again". I am so glad that station programmers actually are waking up to real country music. Another great song that was released on an earlier recording is bluegrassed up and made new like a shiny copper penny, "An Old Memory Found It's Way Back". All in all this album is timeless. Rhonda also promotes the "Martha White" flour company doing the Grand Ole Oprys Martha White theme song. It is all good!!!! I say go out and buy Rhonda Vincents album you won't be sorry. |
| Click cd cover art to be taken to Lanes official website |
| Click cd cover art to be taken to Tammys official website |
| Click cd cover art to go to Pams official website |
| Click cd cover art to be taken to "The Carter Family Memorial Center, Inc. |
| Click cd cover art to go to Rhondas official website |
| Below are some pictures taken by me. Hope you enjoy them. |
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| This picture was taken in 2001 at the Washington County State Fair in Wyoming, Rhode Island. This was Kitty Wells & Johnny Wrights(Kittys husband) farewell tour. Standing behind Kitty & Johnny is their son Bobby Wright(also a singer and actor from Mchales Navy). If your interested in going to the Kitty Wells Family website please click the picture above and it'll take you there. |
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| "Little Miss Dynamite", Brenda Lee and myself at the Wolf Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. This photo was taken in 2002. If your interested in going to Brendas site please click the picture above and you'll be taken there. |
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| Now I know this site is called "Earth Mothers" but Mr Bill Anderson has helped alot of our mothers. That's why I've included his picture here. This was also taken in 2001 from the Washington County Fair in Wyoming Rhode Island. Jan Howard was also with him. If your interested in going to Bills site please click his picture above, and it'll take you there. |
| More pics "coming soon". Please do not copy or use my photo's without my permission. Please email me for permission. |
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| One of the grandest ladies of the Grand Ole Opry, Ms Jan Howard. This also was at the Washington County State Fair in Wyoming, Rhode Island. Jan is truly a favorite of mine and other fans cause she takes time to talk with you. After meeting her I mentioned I had always wanted to read her biography. I got back from vacation and found her book in my mailbox. It was also autographed to me too. How many other stars would take the time to do that????? Not many. If your interested in going to Jans site please click her picture above and it'll take you there. |
| Elizabeth Cook / Balls (Thirty Tigers) (2007) : Elizabeth Cook has recently released her latest album called, "Balls", slickly produced by the legendary Rodney Crowell. She thrusts back onto the music scene with the hit thats definately country and definately neo-Loretta Lynn styled: "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman". When I first heard the title I thought, will CMT air this? Is Elizabeth the first Madonna-esque country singer? No she is like a modern day Loretta Lynn. I think if Loretta was just emerging she would have hit the scene with something like this. As Loretta has said in past interviews, you have to be first, best or completely different and I was all those things when I first started writing and singing my music. And Elizabeth is just so. She is a contemporary legend. She also did a video for the hit song thats better than anything I've seen in quite a long time (it got as high as #5 on the CMT 12-pack video charts and also topped the Americana charts). The song, "Times Are Tough In Rock & Roll" is a fun tune also. Jumpy but ohhhhhhh so true. The way she comments "the Rolling Stones have seen their day/and all my feelings all my fears were confirmed with Britney Spears". You can't get better than that. She tells it like it is. The song, "Rest Your Weary Mind" beckons back to something old/and Appalachian but again contemporary. Its features Bobby Bare Jr (yep Bares son) and Liz on a country lullaby. Awesome!!!!! The next song, "He Got No Heart" is a great country footstomper. The song Mama's Prayers is a superbly written song commenting on whatever I do I'm always in mommas prayers. The beginning always reminds me of Dolly Partons "Coat Of Many Colors". The rest of the album is stellar and I try and get the music to as many of my friends and family as I can. Why? Cause Elizabeth deserves to be heard by all who like true country music. I met Elizabeth in August @ the Living Room in New York( look left for a picture of me with Elizabeth) and I must say she's a true American original............and also a dear friend. A great artist and a sweet sweet lady. |
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| Me, Elizabeth Cook & Mom @ the Living Room in New York City--August |
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| (Click "Click" for MySpace Page) |
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| Click button for Elizabeths MySpace Page |
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| Click button to go to Pams MySpace Page |
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| Elizabeth Cooks Latest Video: Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman |
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| A video introduction to future legend: Elizabeth Cook |
| Classic Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner(from his show in the 60's). Sadly we lost Porter Wagoner last week. He will be truly missed by all country music fans around the world. |
| Here's a Dolly & Porter reunion 15 years after they seperated ways. This video clip is from Dollys late 80's show. |
| One of my favorite legends of all time. And the first solo femalesto have a #1 chart single on the charts: Kitty Wells (Performing that first hit: It Wasn't God Who Made Honkytonk Angels) |
| Video Section: |
| Another favorite and legend...Tammy Wynette singing a medley of her hits. ***I recently heard that Sony/Epic plans to release a whole lot her music in 2008. It will mark 10 years since we lost Tammy.*** |